Soil Instability Troubleshooting Tips for Paving Projects

Posted on January 10, 2020 by admin

When you begin a new paving project, you never know what the ground underneath has in store for you. Often times, people will come across highly unsteady soil conditions, bringing their work to a sudden halt. After all, you cannot properly pave over soil that is in poor or unstable condition. For paving, you want optimal ground reinforcement for best results. If your soil conditions are holding you back from making paving renovations or improvements, continue reading to learn some helpful trouble-shooting tips for treating and preventing soil instability.

Indianapolis Commercial Paving 317-549-1833

What Causes Unstable Soil?

There are three common causes for soil instability: poor compaction, organics, and general composition. Let’s start with the presence of organics. When plants, dead insects, and living organisms within topsoil decay and break down, the soil becomes increasingly unstable. As for compaction, soil compaction is a top requirement for proper ground reinforcement.

However, soil can lose compaction as a result of a long list of potential facts, such as flooding, improper construction, poor water drainage, and more. When it comes to general composition, it plays a large role in how well soil can hold up against a topping of pavement. You see, soil maintains certain pH levels, and requires a healthy balance of air, water, and minerals. Without a proper balance, the soil will become exponentially unstable.

How to Stabilize Soil

To prevent soil instability, it is important to have your property inspected by professional Indianapolis paving contractors who understand the proper methods and techniques of laying pavement in unstable conditions. They can assess the current condition of your soil stability, and make modifications to improve it if you choose to move forward with work.

To treat soil instability, there are a few methods you can try:

➲ Use drainage tiles to rid excess water and moisture from your soil.
➲ Turn and till your soil routinely to promote drying.
➲ Excavate into the sub-grade and replace poor soil with good soil.
➲ Bridge the unstable soils with a suitable base material.
➲ Install a geo-grid (reinforcing grid).
➲ Change the chemical composition through chemical stabilization.
➲ Implement foamed asphalt injections.

Where to Get Trusted Commercial Paving Advice in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial paving in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

5 Paving Repairs to Make Before Temperatures Drop

Posted on September 24, 2018 by admin

Now that fall has officially begun, it is time to think about pre-winter paving maintenance. As a commercial property owner or manager, it is important to maintain a safe and functional lot, including sidewalks, walkways, ramps, curbs, storm basins, and more. In fact, there are 5 specific tasks you should add to you fall parking lot maintenance agenda. Continue reading to learn them all!

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❶ Parking Lot Repair

If you look at your parking lot, does it look like it needs a little attention in terms of structure? Right now is the right time to get your parking lot in good shape for the winter so that it can withstand the dropping temperatures, freeze thaw cycles, and inclement weather. Think about having all cracks sealed, pot holes patched up, ramps fixed, and lines re-striped.

❷ Pot Hole Patching

Pot holes are a frustrating sight and support poor water drainage, and can cause major damage to vehicles. Furthermore, they are a hazard for pedestrians and drivers, given that they have the potential to cause serious accidents. For these reasons and more, you must patch up any potholes on your paved premises before the winter climates are here.

❸ Storm Basin Maintenance

Make sure your storm basins are still functioning well before the winter is here. They should be properly collecting and siphoning off water from your parking lot. If they are not, have a licensed and bonded Indianapolis paving company provide pitch adjustments, damage inspections, and reinforcement. Without a functioning storm basin, your lot will experience standing water that can freeze, thaw, and cause extensive damage.

❹ Crack Sealing

If your premises is full of cracked sidewalks, walkways, ramps, and other paved surfaces, it is strongly encouraged to have them filled while the weather is still agreeable. Cracks and crevices in asphalt and concrete will only worsen as time and precipitation continue. The sooner you have them filled and repaired, the better your pavement will be able to remain strong through the winter season.

❺ Seal Coating

As a final precaution, it is always recommended to have your pavement seal coated before the winter begins. Seal coating protects paved surfaces from water permeation, chemical spills, and more. It also makes it look shiny and new, which is very appealing to visitors. Just be sure to have this service done before the end of October, because by then, it may be too late as a result of the climate.

Indianapolis Paving Contractors

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, and more. Request a free estimate, today!

Learn What ACI Asphalt and Concrete Can Do for You!

Posted on August 17, 2018 by admin

ACI Asphalt and Concrete is the right answer for all paving and road work in Central Indiana! Continue reading to learn what we can do for you and your property!

Get to Know Us

Here at our Indianapolis paving company, our teams are licensed, bonded, and insured asphalt and concrete paving contractors with more than 35 years of experience in the road construction industry. We also maintain the industry’s latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment for all asphalt and concrete projects and developments for both commercial and industrial properties.

A Satisfaction Guarantee

In addition to using top-of-the-line materials and cutting-edge technologies on every job, we set ourselves apart from our industry contemporaries by offering a “Satisfaction Guarantee” on all our paving services. You can trust us for quality craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service, no matter how large or small your paving needs may be.

What We Can Do

There is truly no limit to the asphalt and concrete work we can provide for your commercial property. In fact, we are fully equipped to handle any project with the highest grade of quality, regardless of your project’s size and scope. Take a look below at some of the most frequent paving services we provide in our surrounding Indianapolis communities.

➠ Asphalt Paving – We repair, replace, and install asphalt pavement. Our asphalt services include repairs, restorations, repaving, sealcoating, block paving, black asphalt work, maintenance, and much more.

➠ Concrete Paving – We provide concrete work in various scopes. Services include concrete grinding, replacement, repair, demolition, removal, and more. We also service dumpster pads, bollard posts, ADA ramps, and storm drains.

➠ Seal Coating – We provide commercial seal coating services for asphalt, concrete, and other paved lots.

➠ Cement Repair – We provide various levels of cement repair, such as block paving, cement sealer, crack repair, asphalt paving, road milling, excavating, overlaying, curbs, sidewalks, parking lots, ADA ramps, and much more.

➠ Road Striping – We provide a wide range of pavement marking services, including parking lot striping, curb painting, step painting, road stenciling, speed humps, speed cushions, and more.

➠ Sidewalks and Curbs – We pave and repair all sidewalks, curbs, walkways, stairs, and more.

➠ ADA Ramps – We provide ramp repair and installation, as well as, lot marking and painting. We are proficient in all ADA requirements and standards in Indiana.

➠ Parking Lots – We provide a wide range of parking lot paving services, from crack and pothole repairs, to lot striping, seal coating, ramp repair, and more.

➠ Road Milling and Overlays – We use specialized milling machines and construction excavation equipment to provide all levels of road milling, grinding, and overlay services.

➠ Sewer Drains – We provide several sewer drain repair and installation services, including inspections and repairs for storm drains, sewer drains, culvert drains, water meter pits, utility access pits, Bollard posts, and more.

➠ Excavation – We provide excavation services, including trenching and digging, for all paved lots and complexes.

➠ Winter Cold Patching – We retain the proper technologies to provide pothole and road gap repairs in the winter.

AND THAT’S NOT ALL!

Request More Information Today!

Here at ACI, we are truly dedicated to proving superior paving services for the local municipalities in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. In fact, we are truly honored to be members of the local community, and strive to be your affordable solution for professional, high-quality municipal pavement repair and service. Contact us at 317-549-1833 to learn more about our asphalt and concrete paving services, today.

The Advantages of Thermoplastic Pavement Markings

Posted on May 22, 2018 by admin

In a basic sense, thermoplastics are polymers that convert into a liquid when heated, but return to a solid form when cooled. When it comes to roads and other types of paved surfaces, thermoplastic markings play an important role.

Continue reading to learn more about thermoplastic pavement markings, and why they are an essential part of road safety.

Indianapolis Road Marking 317-549-1833

Although thermoplastics are used widely applied in all sorts of trades, such as medical equipment, machine parts, and packaging, they are very important in the paving industry. In fact, they can even save lives. The process of applying thermoplastics for pavement markings involves heating a special type of road paint called “hot melt marking paint.” This specialized paint is heated to a temperature of 392 degrees Fahrenheit, melting it quickly into liquid that can then cool quickly once set. The result is a thick, bright, reflective, weather-resistant coating.

Road Templates

Pavement symbol and word templates, such as “FIRE LANE”, “NO PARKING”, handicap parking, interstate emblems, and more, make the use of thermoplastic hot melt marking paint much easier and much faster. These templates are filled in with thermoplastic hot melt marking paint to create these bright, reflective road markings we see in parking lots, streets, crosswalks, and highways. After just a few minutes, these markings are completely dried and finished.

Common Thermoplastic Road Markings:

☑ Parking Spots
☑ Reserved Parking
☑ Stop Indicators
☑ Handicap Spots
☑ Fire Lanes
☑ Emergency Vehicle Lanes
☑ Taxi/Bus Lanes
☑ No Parking Zones
☑ Pedestrian Crosswalks
☑ Traffic-Directing Arrows
☑ Highway Divider Lines
☑ Interstate Emblems
☑ Registered Traffic Symbols

Road and Pedestrian Safety

Thermoplastic road markings play an important role in road and pedestrian safety. Their bright, reflective properties make them more visible, especially at night. They are highly reflective against the heads lights on vehicles, aiding pedestrians and cyclists alike. Thermoplastic road markings can also be manufactured in a wide variety of colors, and can last 6 to 8 times longer than standard road paint. They can even be designed with glass beads to create antiskid surfaces and improve traction.

Parking Lot Owners

If you have a commercial or public parking lot, it is wise to consider repainting all of the traffic signs, parking lines, pedestrian crossings, arrows, letters, numbers, and any officially-registered traffic symbols with thermoplastic technology. Many others have chosen thermoplastics, and have had great success. Talk to a licensed and insured Indianapolis paving company for personalized answers and advice for your paved lot.

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving Contractors

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Why Are There So Many Potholes Right Now?

Posted on March 8, 2018 by admin

Potholes are everywhere right now, varying in size, shape, and level of hazard. This time of year seems to present a repetitive theme for pothole development, and for good reason. Continue reading to learn where these potholes come from, and why they seem to always get worse just before spring.

Indianapolis Pothole Repair 317-549-1833

The Basics of Pothole Formation

The best way to understand why there are so many potholes around this time of year is to learn how they form. Pothole formation is pretty straightforward, and develop as a result of annual freeze and thaw cycles. Cyclical freezing and thawing is damaging to any type of porous pavement. Permeable pavements like asphalt and concrete can absorb water.

Water that does not run-off will settle within the pavement’s pores, and freeze in the winter when temperatures drop. When water freezes, it expands, which causes the pavements to shift and crack internally. Come spring, the water within pavement thaws and eventually melts, which causes additionally movement within the pavement.

This cycle of freezing and thawing causes pavements to expand and contract, which results in deteriorated aggregate. As pavement aggregate worsens, it weakens, and begins to deteriorate further until a hole is formed on the surface. Foot and vehicular traffic are contributing factors to a growing pothole, as well as, inclement weather and other natural elements.

Overall, the cause of pothole formation is the reason why pothole numbers increase this time of year. Before and during spring, temperatures can fluctuate back and forth from freezing to not freezing. And this means on and off contracting and expanding. Once the city is sure that the fluctuating temperatures and cold weather are behind us, large-scale pavement repair and construction will ensue. That is why you notice more road work in spring, every year.

Pothole Prevention

Proper installation and drainage are key factors to pothole prevention. It is important to entrust your pavement’s installation and maintenance needs to a licensed and insured Indianapolis paving company that has extensive local experience. Furthermore, routine maintenance is vital for pavement durability, longevity, and performance.

Commercial and Industrial Pothole Repair

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial pothole repair and paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate or information, today.

An Eco-Friendly Asphalt Binder Option

Posted on December 19, 2017 by admin

There have been many advancements in the paving industry, many of which designed to improve efficiency, binding, and appearance. One such advancement is a new Eco-friendly binder called Aquaphalt®. Continue reading to learn more about Aquaphalt® and how it applied to the world of asphalt paving and construction.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Patching Products

Aquaphalt® is a new asphalt patching product that is not only environmentally-friendly, but effective as well. This revolutionary “green” asphalt patching product is currently only available in the United States. It is a binder that reacts and reinforces simply with water. This product is “green” because it contains no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), which are harmful constituents found in all other asphalt paving products. It is scientifically designed to be a permanent asphalt patching and repair material, and primarily used to fill-in and patch-up potholes and other pavement defects. It quickly hardens to a solid, strong surface, with strength and durability equivalent to the surrounding asphalt pavement. Another advantage to Aquaphalt® is that is can be applied in most weather conditions, and will not experience adverse effects if installed properly.

In comparison to cold patching, Aquaphalt® is not meant to be a temporary means of repair. It is a permanent asphalt patching material, whereas cold patching is not. Asphalt that has been “cold-patched” will need to eventually be replaced with a permanent paving material. So not only is Aquaphalt® eco-friendly, it saves time with its quick hardening process, as well as, money since further patching is not required! There are several exciting innovative asphalt manufacturing products and solutions happening in the pavement industry. Aquaphalt® is not yet available to all states, but the good news is that these innovative technologies are being designed and produced, and proven to be effective!

Where to Get Trusted Asphalt Repair

Talk to a licensed Indianapolis paving company for details about the best practices for asphalt patching and repair for your commercial pavement. The circumstances of your commercial lot may be different from others, which means you need a professional assessment and custom plan for asphalt repair. Choose a pavement repair company that has been in business for more than 10 years to ensure professionalism and establishment. You do not want to fall victim to a fly-by-the-night pavement service that cheats you out of your business’s hard-earned money.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair

Asphalt & Concrete Pavers 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional pavement repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of asphalt and concrete repair services for commercial and industrial properties, at the most competitive prices in town. As a licensed, bonded, and insured paving company, you can rest assure knowing your lot is in the best and most capable hands. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free quote, today.

4 Ways ACI Asphalt and Concrete Ensures Excellent Service and Results

Posted on November 15, 2017 by admin

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

When it comes to contractors, the term itself can sometimes have a stigma. That is because there are several inexperienced, untrustworthy, and fly-by-the-night construction crews that take advantage of property owners. These are unprofessional and unethical business owners who have given hardworking professional contractors a bad name. For this reason, property owners are weary of hiring. How do you know you are hiring a dependable company you can trust?

In the paving industry, the same stigmas apply, but ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. has learned how to combat them in order to prove our value. Our licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractors adhere to a strict internal code that supports professionalism and quality results for every project. Continue reading to learn the top 4 ways we achieve this level of integrity and ensure excellent service and results.

❶ Your Budget Is Important To Us

Not only do we maintain economy-based prices, we appreciate our client’s budget. It is never our interest to over sell our clients for a bigger payout. Our goal is to provide professional and long lasting paving work that meets the budget. We work with our clients to figure out how we can offer them the best paving solutions within the budget they have allocated for themselves. As experienced professionals in the industry, we are able to very accurately price out each project so that you know what to expect in terms of cost.

❷ We Use a Concentrated Approach to Project Management

We use a very strict and focused approach to project management. This gives us optimal foresight, thus allowing us to investigate every angle of the project and its unique needs, including weather, permits, time, and other variables that can affect the course of the project. We also take the time to coordinate with other industries, contractors, and venues when necessary.

❸ We Meet Our Deadlines

When your contractor does not deliver as promised, when promised, it can be very frustrating. At ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc., we are fully equipped to manage any paving project, regardless of size or scope. And as mentioned, we use a strict, concentrated approach to project management. This means we can easily meet our deadlines and get our work done in a time frame that’s convenient for our clients. Furthermore, we get the job done right the first time, every time.

❹ We Communicate With You at All Times

When it comes to client-contractor relationships, the most common complaint is about communication. We can understand just how frustrating it would be if your contractor fails to inform you of your project’s timelines, status, budget, and more. This can get especially messy if subcontractors are involved as well. Being left in the dark is not something that happens at our company. We remain in constant communication with our clients to ensure they are fully informed and comfortable with the proceedings of their project.

Indianapolis Asphalt Paving

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for Indianapolis pavement repair and installation you can trust. Our paving contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured with decades of experience in the pavement industry. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate, today.

What You Need to Know About Winterizing Your Pavement

Posted on November 6, 2017 by admin

Winter is not here yet, but when it comes to getting your pavements ready for the temperature drops and frozen conditions, now is the time to take action. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about pavement winterization, what you can do to make it happen, and why timing is so critical.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Pavement Maintenance for Winter

Winter weather can cause all kinds of damage to both asphalt and concrete pavements. This is mostly due to the freeze-that cycles the season experiences in this region of the country; but it is also due to natural wear and tear, high traffic volume, and more. For these reasons, it is necessary to provide the proper routine maintenance for your pavement to ensure it remains intact during the winter season and does not incur any more additional damage or safety concerns. This is called winterization, and all licensed paving contractors provide this service.

Proper Winterization Includes, but is Not Limited to:

☑ Seal Coating
☑ Crack Filling
☑ Pothole Repair
☑ Sidewalk Grinding/Smoothing
☑ Walking Path Fills and Repairs
☑ Step/Staircase Repairs
☑ ADA Ramp Repairs

Now is the Time

Although winter is not here, now is the time to have your pavements prepared. During the freeze-that cycles, pavement expands and contracts over and over again. This worsens any surface blemishes like potholes and cracks, as well as underground conditions like improper soil stabilization. Not only does this occurrence make repairs more dangerous to implement, it makes them more difficult and more expensive. Also, asphalt repair becomes more expensive and time consuming as winter arrives. This is because more equipment and trucking is required to keep paving materials at adequate temperatures. This is the basis to ensuring the structural integrity of pavement.

Furthermore, you can lose more money by failing to winterize. The winter conditions can worsen your pavements structural issues, causing you to face expensive springtime repairs and renovations, rather than light routine maintenance. Thanksgiving is usually the undeclared “cut-off date” that signifies the start of the winter season within the road construction industry. If you cut it too close to this time, you could face some delays, such as permit approvals or early snowfall. These circumstances can increase the amount of time and money it takes to service your pavement. So get on the phone with a licensed and insured Indianapolis paving company as soon as possible to protect your pavement this winter!

Commercial and Industrial Paving in Indianapolis

Asphalt & Concrete Pavers 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our paving contractors, provide a wide range of pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis paving, today.

What is Permeable Pavement?

Posted on December 7, 2016 by admin

Permeable pavement is known by a few other names, including pervious pavement and porous concrete. It is a specific type of pavement material that retains high porosity values, which allows rainwater and other liquids to pass through the pavement and into the underlying ground soil. This process mimics natural ground soil saturation, reducing runoff and returning water back to underground aquifers. But these are not the only good qualities of permeable pavement; it also traps suspended solids and pollutants, and blocks them from entering the water stream.

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Pervious Pavement Applications

In order for permeable pavement to deliver the advantages it’s known for, it must be installed properly and used in the proper applications. Pervious pavement does not share the same strength as concrete, so it is not strong enough to handle certain conditions. For this reason, it is not recommended for highways, interstates, high-volume streets, heavy loading areas, and even potential spill sites.

Common applications for permeable pavement include:

• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Residential Roadways
• Parking Lots
• Low Water Bridges
• Pool Decks
• Patios
• Well Linings
• And Any Other Low-Volume Surfaces

Brief History

Pervious concrete was originally introduced to the paving industry in Europe, in the early 1800’s. Europe frequently used permeable pavements for pavement resurfacing, load-bearing walls, and infill panels. But when World War II drastically reduced the availability of cement, pervious pavement made a come-back, and was a popular alternative once again. Modern uses of permeable pavement began in the 1960’s, including flood prevention and raised water basins.

Types of Permeable Pavement:

• Porous Asphalt
• Plastic Grids
• Porous Turf
• Single-Sized Aggregate
• Interlocking Concrete Pavers
• Resin-Bound
• Bound Recycled Glass
• Clay Brick

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional pavement installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed and insured pavers, provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties throughout the state. Call 317-549-1833 to request an estimate for Indianapolis paving, today.

Concrete Repair for Pop Outs and Cracks

Posted on January 13, 2016 by admin

Concrete patios are known to experience a strange, distinctive type of damage in the wintertime; a kind of damage that leave property owners completely puzzled. Although there is no technical name to describe this unique concrete damage that shows up every winter, many people describe the effect as “pop outs” or popped cracks. These areas of damaged concrete are about the size of a quarter, and appear as if they have risen or been pushed up from underneath, separating the concrete from its original surface level.

These pop outs can be very frustrating for property owners being that they are just as unsightly as they are costly to repair. Fortunately there are ways to prevent such damage to concrete patios and foundations, however, they do require a bit of time and money. The best way to prevent concrete damage is to provide regular maintenance and ensure the installation process is done correctly.

Continue reading to learn the causes behind concrete pop outs and how to manage them.

Concrete Damage and Repair

Concrete pop outs occur on driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches and more, generally as a result of freezing temperatures and winter precipitation, like snow, ice and rain. When concrete freezes, water inside the pores freezes and thaws, expanding the aggregate material and popping it out through the surface of the concrete. This is caused by snow and ice, and the melting of both. When pavers use moderately porous aggregate material to make concrete, this kind of damage is more likely to occur. The most porous the concrete, the more vulnerable it will be to water freeze and thaw cycles.

Although pop out damage doesn’t affect the structural integrity of the concrete foundation, it is unsightly in an aesthetic sense, which is very important for commercial properties; especially those that provide a service. For this reason, it is common for property owners to outsource concrete repair services. Concrete repair companies are a fast and cost-effective approach to patch up concrete pop outs or repave concrete foundations. They retain the proper tools, training, and equipment to accurately repair concrete in a time frame that is convenient for everyone.

Commercial Concrete Paving Services in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial concrete pavement repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.